If you want to make your own batter for savoury toppings, choose a classic mix and remember to factor in the milk and eggs you’ll need to add. A complete mix is more convenient if you want to make it with water; a shaker bottle could be a good fit for a small batch. If you’re considering a wholegrain or multigrain option, check the ingredients. For guests with dietary requirements or allergies, always check the label on the specific pack you’ve chosen.
If you want to top your pancakes with ingredients such as cheese, bacon or vegetables, a plain base lets you choose the toppings yourself. If you’re cooking for several guests, check how many pancakes each pack makes.
For a small get-together, a shaker bottle or complete mix can cut down on the number of separate preparation steps. Just check which liquid you need to add, as this varies by product.
If you prefer wholegrain, or need to avoid gluten, wheat, eggs or milk, the right option depends on the variant you choose. Check the latest ingredients and allergen information rather than relying on the brand name alone.
First, decide how you want to serve the pancakes and how many you’ll be making. Then compare what you need to add and check the packaging for any dietary requirements or allergens.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of preparation | Check whether you need to add water, or milk and eggs as well. If you’re using a shaker bottle, check when the batter should be used. | If I’m preparing other party food at the same time, I want to keep the number of separate ingredients to a minimum. This convenience is expected to be a priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Savoury toppings | Choose a base that works with your preferred savoury toppings and check how many pancakes each pack makes. | If I’m serving a selection of topped mini pancakes, I want to choose the toppings myself. This is the top priority for an estimated 25% of consumers. |
| Grain content | Check which types of flour are in the mix; assess wholegrain and multigrain options by looking at the ingredients list. | If I specifically want to serve a wholegrain or multigrain base, the ingredients will determine my choice. Around 25% of consumers are expected to prioritise this. |
| Allergens | Check the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging. If you need a gluten-free option, look for an explicit gluten-free label. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to check first that both the mix and the preparation are suitable. This check is decisive for an estimated 17% of consumers. |
A wholegrain mix may contain wheat and gluten; Albert Heijn lists both in AH Mix voor Pannenkoeken Volkoren. The name of the grain variety doesn’t mean it’s suitable for someone who needs to eat gluten-free.
The Voedingscentrum advises checking the label for a ‘gluten-free’ statement or the Crossed Grain symbol when choosing a gluten-free product. Also check the ingredients you add and avoid contact with gluten while cooking.
Koopmans Pannenkoeken Origineel requires milk and eggs, while Koopmans Compleet is made with water according to the product information. This affects both the preparation and what you serve your guests.
Read the preparation instructions before you shop. If you need to cater for allergies, check the ingredients of anything you add as well.
With a classic mix, you’ll need to have milk, eggs and cooking fat ready separately.
A small bottle could work for a small batch, but if you’re catering for a larger group, you’ll need to work out how much you need. PLUS also says that batter made with milk from its bottle should be used straight away.
Before deciding how many packs to buy, compare the pack size and stated yield with the number of guests.
Compare the individual options within each brand: a classic mix, complete mix and shaker bottle may have different ingredients and preparation steps.
Koopmans offers classic and complete pancake mixes, as well as shaker bottles.
AH Mix voor Pannenkoeken Volkoren is an option if you’re specifically looking for a wholegrain base.
Jumbo Mix voor Pannenkoeken Naturel is a plain mix you can customise yourself.
Belbake Pannenkoekenmix Origineel from Lidl is a standard mix for anyone planning how much they’ll need per pack.
Albona from ALDI offers a multigrain mix for anyone who wants to consider the grain content.
PLUS sells both a complete mix in a pack and a plain mix in a shaker bottle.
These Joybuy products range from a shaker bottle and a classic mix to a multigrain mix and a mix for Korean pancakes. Choose the preparation method that suits the snack you want to make, and check the current packaging if you’re serving guests.
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A shaker bottle for a small batch. According to Joybuy’s product information, you add water; if you’re cooking for guests with allergen requirements, check the ingredients on the pack.
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A classic base if you want to choose your own savoury toppings. According to Koopmans, you add milk and eggs, and one pack of Pannenkoeken Origineel makes 11 to 13 pancakes. Remember to have these extra ingredients ready when planning your get-together.
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For anyone who wants to consider the grain content when choosing party food. Check the pack for the types of flour, allergens and additional ingredients required for this variant; don’t assume it’s suitable for a gluten-free diet based on the product name.
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For a savoury bite made with Korean-style pancakes rather than a classic Dutch pancake. Check the preparation instructions and ingredients on the pack before cooking for guests.
A complete mix that only needs water means fewer separate ingredients. A shaker bottle could also work for a small batch, but check the instructions: the PLUS bottle requires milk, and the prepared batter should be used straight away.
No. These descriptions alone don’t mean a mix is gluten-free. For example, AH Mix voor Pannenkoeken Volkoren contains wheat and gluten. When choosing a gluten-free product, the Voedingscentrum advises looking for an explicit ‘gluten-free’ statement or the Crossed Grain symbol on the pack.
Read the latest ingredients and allergen information for the specific mix, and check anything you add yourself. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens are listed on labels; don’t rely on terms such as ‘complete’ or ‘wholegrain’, or on the brand name alone.
Don’t taste Koopmans Compleet batter raw: the product information says it must be thoroughly cooked. For other mixes, follow the preparation instructions on the pack.
Match the pack size and stated yield to the number of pancakes you want to make. A small bottle could be a good fit, but check the instructions: PLUS says that batter made with milk in its bottle should be used straight away.
